Free and subsidised tuition in Singapore: CDAC, SINDA, Mendaki and school support
Tuition can be affordable. Singapore has free and low-cost programmes run by the schools and by community self-help groups. Eligibility and fees change every year, so use this page as a map and confirm on each official site.
1. School-based support (MOE)
Primary schools run learning support programmes. The Ministry of Education says the Learning Support Programme and Learning Support for Mathematics start at P1, and the Reading Remediation Programme for English and Mother Tongue support start at P3. Support has been extended in recent years (see the MOE parliamentary reply). Talk to your child’s form teacher first.
2. CDAC Tuition Programme
According to CDAC, eligible students attend classes free of charge. It covers Kindergarten 1 to Secondary 5, with classes of 10 to 12 students, once a week per subject for 1.5 hours. Stated eligibility for the 2027 intake: the student or one parent is a Singapore Citizen or PR, the student is in a Government or Government-Aided mainstream school, and gross monthly household income is $5,300 or below or per capita income is $2,000 or below. Apply on myCDAC. Check the closing dates on the CDAC page.
3. SINDA STEP
SINDA Tutorials for Enhanced Performance (STEP) covers primary, secondary and A levels in English, Maths and Science, with Tamil at some centres. SINDA states that for Singapore Citizens and PRs, a primary student pays a $10 flat fee if per capita income is above $1,600, with a full waiver at $1,600 or below. Chinese students needing a waiver apply through CDAC. Check the page for registration dates and documents.
4. Yayasan MENDAKI
MENDAKI runs tuition schemes for Malay and Muslim students, including English, Maths and Science at primary level. Eligibility and fees change, so check the MENDAKI website for the current scheme. Some third-party pages show older rules, so do not rely on them.
5. Collaborative arrangements
CDAC says eligible students may also attend participating centres run by CDAC, MENDAKI, SINDA and the Eurasian Association under the Collaborative Tuition Programme. Ask the organisation you register with.
6. Financial assistance
Some programmes link fee waivers to the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme or other bursaries. Ask your school’s general office about FAS.
How to decide
- Ask the school what support it offers.
- Check CDAC, SINDA or MENDAKI eligibility early: some have registration windows.
- Use a low-cost practice platform for daily practice.
- Pay for a private tutor only where help is still needed. See cheap tuition in Singapore and tutor rates.
Programme details are summarised from the organisations’ own pages on 27 October 2026 and may change. ALEC is not affiliated with these organisations.
More parent guides
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- Home tuition rates in Singapore 2026: what primary tutors charge
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- Tuition in Singapore: the complete parent guide
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Frequently asked questions
Is there free tuition in Singapore?
Yes, for eligible families. CDAC states that eligible students attend its tuition classes free of charge. SINDA STEP is free for lower per capita incomes and a small flat fee otherwise. Check eligibility on each site.
Who can apply for the CDAC tuition programme?
CDAC’s 2027 intake page says the student or one parent must be a Singapore Citizen or PR, the student must be in a Government or Government-Aided mainstream school, and household income must be $5,300 or below gross monthly or $2,000 or below per capita.
Does my school offer help for weak subjects?
Most primary schools have learning support programmes for English and Maths, and teachers can give targeted help. Ask your form teacher.
Can I combine subsidised tuition with a practice platform?
Yes. Many families use community or school programmes for weekly classes and a low-cost platform for daily practice.
ALEC gives Singapore primary kids short lessons, exam-style practice and a clear report for parents.
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ALEC is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with MOE or SEAB. Prices and figures quoted from other sources are indicative and change often. Check the source before you decide.